If you missed our updates on Monday, we have exciting news: the United States Supreme Court elected not to hear Kim Davis’s case. Since the Obergefell v. Hodges decision in 2015, Davis has been doing all she can to fight marriage equality.
@tagg.magazine We got a big win today, y’all! #wlw #lgbtq #queer #supremecourt #marriageequality ♬ original sound – Tagg Magazine
A former Kentucky county clerk, Davis disagreed with the ruling and chose to stop issuing all marriage licenses in her county—no matter the couple’s sexualities. After one same-sex couple sued Davis, she was found to be in contempt of court and subsequently served six days in jail. A jury awarded the couple $100,000 in emotional damages and $260,000 for their legal fees.
Davis had hoped the Supreme Court would agree with her argument that the First Amendment protected her freedom to exercise her religion, thus stripping her of personal liability for denying marriage licenses. Her representation also suggested the Court reexamine the Obergefell v. Hodges decision, possibly putting marriage equality back in question.
The justices held a private meeting on Friday to decide if they’d hear Davis’ case. The justices provided no timeline for a decision, leaving many in distress last weekend as they wondered if there was a chance for marriage equality to actually face reexamination. In response, social media platforms filled with LGBTQ+ folks celebrating their love, sharing their concern, and expressing hope that the justices would deny Davis’ request.
@jenay_saisquoi Today the Surpreme Court meets to decide if they want to hear a case that could overrule marriage equality/same-sex marriage. Regardless of the outcoe”me, they would literally have to pry her from my cold, de*d hands #wlw #lesbiansoftiktok #loveislove ♬ Heartbeat – James Arthur
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On Monday morning, the Supreme Court announced that they would not hear Davis’ case. No explanation was provided, leaving it unclear what led the justices to vote against hearing this case. With this announcement, marriage equality stands, Davis must pay the couple she wronged, and there is no threat to the Supreme Court reconsidering Obergefell v. Hodges.